Hostels in Kolkata offer less spicy food, ORS, glucose to boarders to beat the heat

KOLKATA: Hostels of different colleges and universities in the city have taken several measures to beat the extreme heat. While some hostels are introducing ORS, glucose, salt and sugar water, others are providing easily digestible, less spicy food and fruits to the boarders. However, boarders of Hindu Hostel said they have been suffering from indigestion and stomach upsets as they are forced to eat spicy food from outside due to unavailability of mess services.
Rajibul Rahaman, Hindu Hostel boarder, said, they're being forced to eat food from outside the hostel as the mess facility has not resumed for 10 months. Boarders have written several times to the authorities to resume services. "Many students are suffering from indigestion and stomach upset by eating spicy food from eateries in this weather," Rahaman said. Arpan Maji, another boarder, said, "We're buying curd and making ghol, ORS and glucose to keep hydrated."
Jetchun Doma Sherpa, a boarder at Presidency University Girls' Hostel, said, "The food being served at the hostel is quite oily. It's not ideal in this heat." The hostel's general secretary Tamannah Hassan said, "There are no water coolers on the first floor of the hostel where around 40 girls stay. There was a complete shortage of drinking water just last week."TOI tried to contact Arun Maity, dean of students, Presidency University, but he did not respond.
Siuli Sarkar, principal of Lady Brabourne College said, "There are 150 students at our hostel. I've asked to provide ORS and salt and sugar drinks for the boarders. Two water coolers have been repaired. I've asked them to cook light meals like chicken stew, boiled vegetables and avoid spicy food." Sarkar has requested guardians to come in the morning or in the evening to take their children home.
Dominic Savio, principal of St. Xavier's College said students will be allowed to leave hostels only after 5pm, unless it is urgent. "We've introduced fluids like glucose, ORS, juice and fruits. Easily digestible, light food consisting of vegetables will be provided," he said. Scottish Church College's girls hostel reported cases of diarrhea on Sunday. Principal Madhumanjari Mandal said, "We've prepared a sick room with two beds and portable AC for emergencies. Light food will be served to the boarders of three hostels along with adequate ORS." Maulana Azad College principal Subhasis Dutta said they've instructed hostels to serve less spicy food and are keeping a regular check on the water coolers at the hostels.
All the hostels under Calcutta University serve a mandatory dish made of gourd, such as lentils with gourd. Sk. Nasibul, boarder of Jadavpur University's main hostel said, "Those students who live on the fourth floor suffer maximum due to the heat. They often come down to their friend's room or sleep on the floors."
(With inputs from Indrakshi Dutta)